The University of Nottingham - Faculty of Engineering

MSc Bioengineering: Biomaterials and Biomechanics

This 12-month course aims to provide science or engineering graduates from a diversity of backgrounds with a solid grounding in modern bioengineering technologies, together with a strong emphasis in biomechanics and biomaterials. This course will prepare students for a career in an industrial, clinical or research environment, independent learning, and postgraduate research or careers in industry or hospitals.

This course is one of two closely related bioengineering masters courses that comprise of a common core with the ability to focus on specific aspects of bioengineering.

This multidisciplinary MSc covers a practical and theoretical aspect of bioengineering, including:

cell-biomaterial surface interactions

materials characterisation

functionalisation of surface

biomechanics and mathematical modelling

Course details

The course covers material optimisation and engineering of biomedical devices while addressing biological considerations to optimise device performance. Such an approach has a wide application range, incorporating transitory invasive devices into permanent implants for repair, replacement and regenerative treatments.

The principles of the course are highly relevant to both the established medical device sector and the emerging regenerative medicine industry.

You will gain experience of the type of problems encountered by academic and industrial researchers, both via taught courses and project work. Written and oral presentations will be undertaken at various stages of the course.

Individual project

Following the successful completion of the taught modules, a major individual project is undertaken over the summer, developing students' ability to engage independent learning and preparing them for postgraduate research or careers in industry or hospital. The project area is flexible and will be supervised by a member of academic staff.

Previous projects have included:

bending fatigue testing of an intervertebral disc replacement device

quantification of tissue response around a novel biodegradable composite designed for craniofacial bone repair

a preliminary study on bilayer and novel sandwich chitosan scaffolds

synthesis and controlled degradation of poly-e-caprolactone with lauric anhydride

Students can also undertake the project as part of an industrial placement or internship in the UK or overseas, but the students must either have links with the company or apply to the company during the academic year.

Modules

Core modules

Biomedical Applications of Biomaterials

Human Structure and Function for Engineers

Cell Structure and Function for Engineers

Biomechanics

Advanced Applications of Biomaterials and Biomechanics

Advanced Materials

Biomaterials Modelling

Medical Device Design and Regulation

Advanced Engineering Research Project Organisation and Design

Advanced Engineering Research Project

The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result may change for reasons of, for example, research developments or legislation changes. This list is an example of typical modules we offer, not a definitive list.

Careers

This course offers students specific skills suitable for a wide range of careers in the UK and international organisations involved in biomaterials and medical device development, this course provides a firm foundation for a research path in materials engineering for tissue repair and regeneration.

The University of Nottingham has been recognised as delivering a Gold standard in the Teaching Excellence Framework(TEF), which aims to recognise and reward excellent learning and teaching.

Career Prospects and Employability

The University of Nottingham has been named as the best university in the UK for graduate employment, by 2017 The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers* and can offer you a head-start when it comes to your career.

Those who take up a postgraduate research opportunity with us will not only receive support in terms of close contact with supervisors and specific training related to your area of research, you will also benefit from dedicated careers advice from our Careers and Employability Service.

Our Careers and Employability Service offers a range of services including advice sessions, employer events, recruitment fairs and skills workshops – and once you have graduated, you will have access to the service for life.

* The Graduate Market 2013-2017, High Fliers Research.

Average starting salary and career progression

In 2016, 94.9% of postgraduates in engineering faculty courses who were available for employment had secured work or further study within six months of graduation. The average starting salary was £35,550 with the highest being £100,000.

*Known destinations of full-time home higher degree postgraduates, 2015/16. Salaries are calculated based on those in full-time paid employment within the UK.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements: A high 2:2 or equivalent

Other requirements: Applicants with a Biotechnology or Biomedical Sciences degree may be considered.